Electric Vehicle Race Stars

Here are some of the stars of the Electric Vehicles (EV) race. The latest Chinese brand or a heritage brand may have many features that will appeal to the modern driver, who wants power and performance but without harmful emissions.

BYD Seal

BYD Seal Dual Motor version can hit 100km/hr in just 3.8 second. Image: BYD.

The BYD brand is no stranger to Singapore’s EV market. The BYD Seal was designed to beat Tesla’s Model 3. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive (2.4 tonnes) is faster and more powerful than the sleek coupe. It can reach 100km/h within 3.8 seconds, thanks to a generous 670Nm and 523bhp of torque. Even though it weighs 2.2 tonnes, the vehicle feels light and agile. The variant that offers this power and performance is the top-of-the-line “Electric Performance” with a 180km/h top speed. Battery capacity is 82.56kWh or about 520km.

Two other variants are offered in Singapore: “Dynamic” 61.4kWh and “Premium” 82.6 kWh. Highlight of the car is its all-black interior, with a rotating 15.6-inch screen for infotainment. The car comes with all the bells & whistles to provide a fun and engaging driving experience for driver and passenger. The Seal is a sports car with a gear shift and switchgear that are appropriate. The all-wheel drive car does not provide a paddle shifter to adjust the braking regeneration — a feature that would have made this car more user-friendly. The EV offers a luggage load of 400 litres and a panoramic oversized sunroof with a UV-resistant feature to prevent the car’s interior from getting too hot. The large sunroof creates a light and airy interior. The car’s sleek aesthetic, such as headlamps with curved daytime running lights, wavy light strips on the bumped and chic tail lights with dotted design, make this an appealing EV.
www.byd.com

BMW i5 eDrive40

BMW i5 eDrive40. Image: BMW.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 all-electric is virtually magical in every aspect: its driving dynamics, stylish styling, and premium features. The car is a delight to drive, with its driver-centric dashboard and communicative steering as well as the taut suspension. This electric automobile is more genuine than its competitors, like Mercedes and Tesla, whether you’re driving straight ahead or around expansive turns. It is a fact.

The interior is a luxurious, engaging space with sophisticated instrumentation. Image: BMW.

Power and performance is directly linked to the 81.2kWh lithium-ion battery which powers the motor. The motor immediately delivers torque of 430Nm and 335 HP to the rear wheels. This allows the car to reach 100 km/h under six seconds. In actual driving, it seems much faster than on paper. The designers have also ensured that the vehicle is high on sustainability — from the seat covers and door panels to the steering wheel wrap, dashboard, and “Veganza” (i.e. The materials used for the upholstery can all be recycled, from the seat covers and door panels to the steering wheel wrap, dashboard and “Veganza” (i.e. With a luggage capacity of 490 litres, and a 20mm extra wheelbase in the back, you can enjoy more legroom. To express the electric nature of the vehicle, it is equipped with 20-inch rims and blue accents. This 5-metre-long EV, which weighs over 2.2 tonnes, is always energised while driving. The car’s power — the eDrive40 variant, offers instant torque of 400Nm, producing 335bhp to send the car to hit the Century Sprint in 6 seconds. The BMW i5 has an 81.2kWh battery that can provide a range of up to 582km. If you drive as usual, this will give you 450km. The BMW i5 eDrive40 will appeal to the driver who is forward-thinking and loves the executive sportiness.
www.bmw.com

Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. Image: Polestar.

The Polestar 2 will debut in 2021. In 2024, the current model — the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor — is the successor. The model has undergone a facelift, cited by the brand, “A facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme.” Stare hard, and one will find no apparent clues on the exterior because the tweaks are “below the surface”, cited the marque. The nose of the facelifted car has been completely redesigned, with only a small and conspicuous camera remaining. This grille is now the car’s “SmartZone” — a dedicated area where all the car’s vital sensor systems come integrated. The car’s signature Thor Hammer-shaped headlights are still part of an uncluttered design.

Polestar 2 has a long-range dual-motor version that delivers 469bhp with 740Nm torque. (Its predecessor had 204bhp with 660Nm) This car can go from 0 – 100 km/h in only 4.2 secs. The vehicle’s speed and performance are comparable to the Mercedes AMG EQE43 and Audi e-tron GT. The cabin is stylish and functional, with a well-insulated interior that allows for quiet relaxation. The EV has an 82-kWh battery and can travel 400km with a single charge when you use One-Pedal Drive mode. The Polestar 2 has a minimalistic design with futuristic tech features that put the driver at the forefront.
www.polestar.com

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Electric 4S

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Electric 4S. Image: Porsche.

The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Electric 4S wagon is among the best EVs on the market. It’s incredibly fast and feels like a sportscar. It is a wagon with a body that is unlike any other. It also has 39 more litres in the boot than the standard Taycan. The design gives the car a muscular appearance with wider shoulders. The vehicle is 20mm taller than a standard Taycan sedan. Were we not saying that this car is fast as well? You can accelerate with 563bhp, 650Nm, and no lag. This will propel the car from 0 to 100km/h within 4.1 seconds.

The battery’s 93.4kWh boasts a range of 388-452km. This EV is still agile and stable on the road, even though it weighs 2.3 tonnes. This 5-seater vehicle can be used to do your shopping or pick up the kids from school. The all-wheel drive and instant electric torque means you can power over corners deftly even in “normal” mode (i.e. there is also a “Gravel” mode). This EV’s sophisticated interior, instant torque, and cool exterior might convince petrolheads to switch to electric cars.
www.porsche.com

Kia EV9 GT-Line Electric

Kia EV9 Electric GT-Line has suicide doors. Image: Kia.

The luxurious interior of the Kia EV 9 has flushed handles, a Meridian premium sound system and an upscale cabin. You could be mistaken for thinking that you just stepped into a Range Rover. In fact, you’ve just stepped out of the Kia EV 9—one of the most futuristic EVs on the market today. The car has a length of more than 5 metres (5,015mm), and it can comfortably accommodate six passengers.

Seats in the second row of seats can be turned to face the passengers. Seats can be swiveled outwards when the doors open to allow passengers to enjoy the view. There are many bells and whistles that make the interior feel like you’re on a first class flight. The EV9 features Digital Side Mirrors that are integrated into the side doors. The 2.5-tonne electric vehicle still has a high speed, with 380bhp and 700Nm. It takes only 6 seconds to reach 100km/h. The battery’s 99.8kWh provides a claimed range of 512km. The boot space ranges from 333-393 litres. The Kia EV9 is enormous, but with plenty of external cameras to guide you in your parking, you won’t have to break a sweat. If you are looking for a big SUV, but do not want to sell your kidneys in order to purchase a continental model, this Asian-designed EV could be a good investment.
www.kia.com

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